There is an ancient story about an old man called Honi the Circle Maker who is seen planting a carob tree, and when asked why at such an old age he would plant a tree that would take up to 70 years to bear fruit, he replies, “just as my ancestors planted for me, so I plant for my children,”
I think about this story often especially when I’m appreciating the opportunities I have to study old texts, contemplating an ancient family tradition, customizing my own, or cultivating new habits.
“How has this affected my lineage, how will it impact my children and their children, or build my future self?”
Speaking of ancient traditions—this season marks the Hebrew month of Shvat, and a special holiday to honor trees called Tu B’Shvat is observed.
The celebration originated from an ancient Kabbalistic tradition of recalling the phases of personal growth in a person’s life through the symbolism of the Tree of Life—I’ll share a little more about this at my upcoming workshop this Sunday, Feb, 23 (details below).
One of my custom rituals of observance for this holiday is to create my yearly Tree of Purpose art poster and hang it up or create little card prints of it to use as book marks for my journal throughout the year.
✧ The why (Roots) —my connection with Source, the Soul of Life, or my Higher Power—and why it bestows the gift of this lifetime upon me.
✧ The how (Trunk)—the way I channel and create with divine energy.
✧ The who (Branches)—the roles I’ve chosen to channel the creative energy that flows through me. Accepting and appreciating the free will or freedom of choice granted to the human experience.
✧ The what (Crown)—my strongest desires and goals that are alive in me. Reminders of what I’m growing for my future self and future generations to harvest.
Trees remind us that growing is always an option—we can grow through all sorts of things.
And! We are beautiful at every stage of growth—we can always dig deeper, change directions, appreciate the reinforcement of others, and defy the odds!
Kenzie’s Desk 